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SPFL announces 2024/25 William Hill Premiership post-split fixtures

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has today published the post-split fixture list for the William Hill Premiership following another dramatic weekend of football.

St Mirren secured their place in the top six with a 3-2 victory over Ross County on Saturday, to join Celtic, Rangers, Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen in the top half of the table.

The schedule for the final five fixture rounds has now been confirmed, with the 30 games to be played across the weekend of April 26/27, the weekend of May 3/4, the weekend of May 10/11, the midweek of May 13/14 and the weekend of May 17/18.

The final top-six fixtures in this season’s William Hill Premiership will take place on Saturday May 17, kick-off 12.30pm, while the bottom six will conclude on Sunday May 18 at 3.00pm.

For the first time since 2017/18 unfortunately it has not been possible to ensure that all clubs will have 19 home games and 19 away games across the season. In the top six, St Mirren will play 20 home fixtures and in the bottom six Motherwell will have 18 home games. Motherwell were the last club to gain a home game when a 19/19 balance could not be achieved in 2017/18, with Heart of Midlothian having only 18 home fixtures on that occasion.

Celtic will have the opportunity to win the title away to Dundee United in the first post-split fixture on Saturday April 26, live on Sky Sports at 12.30pm, while their final meeting of the season with Rangers will be at Ibrox on Sunday May 4, live on Sky Sports at 12 noon.

Sky Sports will also show Rangers v Aberdeen on Sunday May 11, kick-off 12 noon, and Celtic v St Mirren on Saturday May 17, kick-off 12.30pm. Sky may also select a match in due course for live broadcast in fixture round 37.

David Gray’s Hibernian, who are on a 17-game unbeaten run and sit third in the table, begin their postsplit matches away to Aberdeen before hosting Dundee United the following week.

In the bottom half of the table, only a single point separates the clubs in ninth, 10th and 11th position and two of them, Kilmarnock and Ross County, go head to head at Rugby Park in fixture round 34. Dundee, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot, begin their run-in against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle.

Calum Beattie, SPFL Chief Operating Officer, said: “It was another hugely exciting weekend of football, with three clubs going into Saturday’s matches separated by only a single point in the battle for the final top-six place and St Mirren making the cut with a late winner.

“I’m pleased to be able to publish the fixtures and TV selections for the remaining five rounds of the William Hill Premiership. There is so much to play for between now and the end of the season, with the title, European qualification and relegation places all on the line. It all gets started with a huge match at Tannadice on Saturday April 26, live on Sky Sports.”

POST-SPLIT MATCHES CONFIRMED FOR LIVE BROADCAST ON SKY SPORTS

Saturday April 26: Dundee United v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)
Sunday May 4: Rangers v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12 noon)
Sunday May 11: Rangers v Aberdeen (Sky Sports, 12 noon)
Saturday May 17: Celtic v St Mirren (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)

William Hill Premiership fixture rounds 34-38 announced

TOP-SIX FIXTURES

Saturday April 26
Dundee United v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)
Aberdeen v Hibernian (3.00pm)
St Mirren v Rangers (3.00pm)

Saturday May 3
Hibernian v Dundee United (3.00pm)
St Mirren v Aberdeen (3.00pm)

Sunday May 4
Rangers v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12 noon)

Saturday May 10
Celtic v Hibernian (3.00pm)
Dundee United v St Mirren (3.00pm)

Sunday May 11
Rangers v Aberdeen (Sky Sports, 12 noon)

Wednesday May 14
Aberdeen v Celtic (7.45pm)
Rangers v Dundee United (7.45pm)
St Mirren v Hibernian (7.45pm)

Saturday May 17
Celtic v St Mirren (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)
Dundee United v Aberdeen (12.30pm)
Hibernian v Rangers (12.30pm)

BOTTOM-SIX FIXTURES

Saturday April 26
Heart of Midlothian v Dundee (3.00pm)
Kilmarnock v Ross County (3.00pm)
Motherwell v St Johnstone (3.00pm)

Saturday May 3
Dundee v Motherwell (3.00pm)
Ross County v Heart of Midlothian (3.00pm)
St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (3.00pm)

Saturday May 10
Heart of Midlothian v Motherwell (3.00pm)
Kilmarnock v Dundee (3.00pm)
St Johnstone v Ross County (3.00pm)

Wednesday May 14
Dundee v Ross County (7.45pm)
Heart of Midlothian v St Johnstone (7.45pm)
Motherwell v Kilmarnock (7.45pm)

Sunday May 18
Kilmarnock v Heart of Midlothian (3.00pm)
Ross County v Motherwell (3.00pm)
St Johnstone v Dundee (3.00pm)

Please note: Sky Sports may select a Round 37 match (midweek of May 14) in due course

Tracy Gilbert MP shares government response on Syria with local Syrian Group following constituent concerns

Scottish Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, Tracy Gilbert, has welcomed the lifting of sanctions on Syria.

Tracy Gilbert MP wrote to the Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP, following concerns raised by her constituent, Youssef Al Hariri. Al Hariri contacted Tracy Gilbert’s office expressing his deep concern about the ongoing sanctions in Syria. In response, the Minister confirmed that the UK had recently revised aspects of its Syria sanctions regime.

As of 6 March, the UK government lifted asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy companies.

In a letter from the Minister for the Middle East to Tracy Gilbert MP, he confirmed that: “On 6^thMarch we lifted asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities that were previously used by the Assad regime to fund the oppression of the Syrian people, including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy companies.

“These de-listings underscore our commitment to help the people of Syria rebuild their country and economy.”

Speaking after the meeting, Tracy Gilbert MP said: ““I was grateful to meet with members of the Syrian community here in Edinburgh and to share the government’s response.

“While these policy changes were already underway, it’s thanks to input from constituents like Youssef Al Hariri that the UK government takes the positive decisions to support Syria as it tries to end the decade long civil war, move on from the oppression of the Assad regime and develop for the future.”

Youssef Al Hariri said: “I am grateful to Tracy Gilbert for taking the time to visit our group today and for bringing positive news. This is an important step forward by the British Government, and it is most welcome.

“However, it is vital that this positive progression continues and at a swift pace to avoid further instability in Syria. I look forward to working closely with Tracy and her team as we continue to push for peace.”

From the science behind sins to the chemistry of Star Wars: Edinburgh Science Festival 2025 continues

Still to come at Edinburgh Science Festival 2025

From the science behind the seven deadly sins to the chemistry of Star Wars, there’s lots still to uncover at Edinburgh Science Festival 2025.

Running until Sunday 20 April, the Festival explores the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration with the theme Spaceship Earth.

This week’s highlights include:

A Climate of Truth (15 April)
We have all the technology we need to live better than ever before, and yet humanity is still accelerating into a climate emergency. Sustainability expert, Prof Mike Berners-Lee looks at the challenge from new angles, and reveals how the need for radically higher standards of honesty in our politics, media, and business is the single most critical point of leverage for those seeking change. Berners-Lee shows what all of us can do to be part of the evolution that humanity so urgently needs to deal with the polycrisis.

Seven Deadly Sins (15 April)
Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Pride. Envy. Lust. Anger. Do these sins really represent moral failings, or are they simply important and useful human functions that aid us? Professor of neurology, Guy Leschziner reveals the hidden science and humanity behind our so-called flaws and follies.

Mission Bake: From Bake Off to Blast Off (18 April)
Are you ready to see some “out-of-this-world” treats? Join scientist and Great British Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley as he showcases the wonders of space through the art of baking, with edible meteorites and macaron planets. Plus, space expert Dhara Patel from the National Space Centre will be bringing real meteorites to the show!
Josh Smalley also joins the Festival for The Easter Baking Show, also on 18 April.

Memory Lane: the Perfectly Imperfect Ways We Remember (18 April)
We often think our impressions of the past remain preserved somewhere inside our brains. In fact, we reconstruct our memories every time we try to recall them. But a faulty memory isn’t always a bad thing…Explore the cutting-edge science of human memory, the ethical implications of memory manipulation and the pitfalls of false recollections. Psychologists Ciara Greene and Gillian Murphy reveal the surprising benefits of a flexible memory system and explain why no two trips down memory lane are ever quite the same.

The Chemistry of Star Wars (20 April)
In a galaxy far, far away, there is a Star Wars universe packed with captivating science, from the biology of alien species to the astrophysics of hyperspace. But what about Chemistry? Join Alex Baker, a chemist from the University of Warwick, as he explores the freezing of Han Solo, the colours of lightsabers, the reactions that power star ships and much more.

DiscoveryLab (Running until 19 April)
Visit the Festival’s reimagined flagship family experience at City Art Centre and explore five floors packed with hands-on activities designed for all the family to get involved in. Children aged 5–11 can also book entry to one premium workshop including Splat-tastic, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Wild Vets.

To view the full programme, visit:

https://www.edinburghscience.co.uk/festival/whats-on/

Portobello disturbance: Man arrested and charged

MAN TO APPEAR IN COURT TODAY

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a disturbance in the Portobello area of Edinburgh.

Around 10.55pm on Saturday, 12 April, 2025, police were called to Bath Street and Mentone Avenue.

Three males, one aged 17 and two aged 18, were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The 21-year-old man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Tuesday, 15 April, 2025.

A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Enquiries remain ongoing.

Thank you to those who have assisted with enquiries so far.

UK Government secures raw materials to save British Steel

NATIONALISATION BY ANY OTHER NAME?

The Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is pushing ahead with efforts to safeguard British Steel. Today [Tuesday 15 April] he will travel up to Immingham as the raw materials that have been waiting in the dock are unloaded and transported to the site, following the government settling payment for them.

The materials – which have arrived from the US – are enough to keep the blast furnaces running for the coming weeks, with officials continuing to work at pace to get a steady pipeline of materials to keep the fire burning.

A separate ship which contains yet more coking coal is on the way to the UK from Australia. This cargo was the subject of a legal dispute between British Steel and Jingye over the weekend that has now been resolved. The materials have been paid for using existing DBT budgets.

New legislation passed last weekend, in an unprecedented move, gives Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnaces running. It also permits the Government to do these things itself if needed.

The government acted to protect 37,000 jobs in supply chains and ensure we can build the infrastructure needed to deliver growth which is fundamental to the Plan for Change.

On Monday, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed the appointment of Allan Bell as interim Chief Executive Officer, and Lisa Coulson as interim Chief Commercial Officer, both with immediate effect – ensuring the right expertise is in place to keep the site running smoothly.

After intensive work over the weekend, the government has secured coke and iron ore pellets for the blast furnaces and is confident there will be enough materials to keep the furnaces burning.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We will always act in the interest of working people and UK industry. Thanks to the work of those at British Steel, and in my department, we have moved decisively to secure the raw materials we need to help save British Steel.

“Our industries depend on UK steel and – thanks to our Plan for Change – demand is set to shoot up: helping build the 1.5 million homes, railways, schools and hospitals we need to usher in a decade of national renewal.”

Arrest after man seriously assaulted in London Road

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault that happened in Edinburgh early this morning (Monday, 14 April, 2025).

At around 6am Police received a report of a 48-year-old man seriously injured in the London Road area.

Emergency services attended and the man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

A 48-year-old man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Tuesday, 15 April, 2025.

Foodbank reports devastating break-in

We are saddened to report that, overnight between April 10th and April 11th 2025, Glasgow South West Foodbank’s Cardonald Foodbank Centre was broken into, burgled and vandalised.

The premises that we operate our Cardonald Foodbank Centre from, Hillington Park Parish Church, was broken into. Our storage area was burgled and vandalised, leading to the loss of thousands of pounds worth of stock and materials. This is the busiest of the five Foodbank Centres we operate.

Glasgow South West Foodbank is a small, independent, local charity. We already have an Urgent Appeal running to try and raise desperately needed funds to allow us to continue operating in the current challenging climate.

We have seen an increase in people needing our support, while food costs have increased and donations have fallen, so this incident has happened at a particularly unfortunate time for us.

Development Manager, Claire McCunnie, says: “Thankfully, no one was here when the break in occurred, and no one was hurt. But clearing up all the mess left behind was very upsetting as, of course, was the loss of stock. It’s honestly devastating.

“We are a small team who work extremely hard helping people in our community who are unable to afford the essentials we all need to get by, like food, bills and toiletries. To experience a break-in like this is heartbreaking, not just for our team, but for the people we support.

“We would be extremely grateful for any donations the community can give during this difficult time. You can donate money online to Glasgow South West food bank or food at our warehouse or drop off points in local supermarkets.”

Our team was able to open the food bank as planned on Friday despite this distressing situation, and we are determined to keep the food bank at Cardonald open for the foreseeable future.

Since opening in December 2013, we have provided over three quarters of a million meals to Glaswegians who have been unable to put food on the table. Alongside emergency food parcels, we offer a warm welcome, listening ear, and advice and support through our partner agencies.

The incident has been reported to Police Scotland and anyone with any further information can contact them to assist with their inquiries.

NASA astronaut Kathy Sullivan visits Edinburgh Space Hub

Former NASA astronaut Kathy Sullivan recently visited the University as it marked the launch of the new Edinburgh Space Hub.

During her visit, Ms. Sullivan – the first American woman to perform a spacewalk – learned about the growing importance of space data for a range of industry sectors and Edinburgh’s long-standing excellence in the area.

The new Hub will bring together academics and industry to harness the power of space data to address key global challenges, including climate crises and economic inequality.

Kathy Sullivan also toured the University’s collection of materials from the pioneering marine research expedition undertaken by HMS Challenger in the 1870s.

Find out morehttps://edin.ac/3G2j5iG

Swinney: Scottish Government is ‘fighting Scotland’s corner’

PREPARING SCOTLAND FOR THE FUTURE

First Minister John Swinney has announced he will bring forward the Scottish Government’s legislative programme to ensure the country is as prepared as possible to secure its future in the face of the uncertainty facing the global economy.

Speaking during a press conference at Bute House this morning, the First Minister announced the Programme for Government will be presented to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 6 May 2025.

It will set out the actions the Scottish Government will take to ensure resilience and deliver on the four core priorities to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy, tackle the climate emergency and ensure high quality and sustainable public services.

The First Minister also set out plans to immediately begin work with key partners in the business community and trade unions to map out the actions required in Scotland, and the UK as a whole, to respond to emerging economic challenges and ensure the needs of the devolved nations are at the heart of UK decision-making.

First Minister John Swinney said: “I know that this is a time of great uncertainty for people, that many families and businesses are worried about what global events will mean for them.

“We face yet another storm, after almost two decades of knocks and challenges – the financial crisis, austerity, Brexit, Covid, the energy price spike following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the subsequent inflation spike. Each has weakened us in some way, but none has defeated us.

“The Programme for Government will be laser-focused on delivery. It will set out what I believe my government can and will deliver for the people of Scotland over the coming year.

“The economic headwinds are blowing strong across the Atlantic and they demand a response that is both immediate and measured. My Programme for Government will set out what practical steps we will take to strengthen our response to those headwinds and ensure Scottish business and our economy is positioned well to create jobs and grow the economy.

“I want to make sure the UK Government understands where we need them to do much more to protect Scotland’s economic interests.

“As a result, I will be bringing together our key partners in the business community and the trades union movement on Wednesday to map out the actions we can take, here in Scotland, and which can be complemented across the UK, to respond to the emerging economic realities. That work will influence my government’s approach, and I want it to shape the response at a UK level into the bargain.

“A Scotland that is wealthier, fairer, more resilient – that is my ambition. I want people feeling more confident about the future and more secure in the midst of the uncertainties, because they have a government that is fighting Scotland’s corner.

“A government that is bringing people together, so that our response to the challenges we face is rooted in a Scotland that is united, prepared and determined, a Scotland confident in its ability to, once again, weather the storm and come out of that storm a great deal stronger.”